February 29 – PERSEVERE IN HOPE

You have allowed enemies to run right over us, you have led us through the fires of great testing and the deep waters of overwhelming circumstances. Yet you have brought us through to your kingdom of wealth and abundance. (Psalm 66:12)

                Can you believe in the Lord even when those who oppose you seem to be winning? While you are struggling with uncertainty and challenges that appear to be much larger than you, does your confidence and hope stay strong?

                The writer observes what Jesus, the disciples, and even the prophets before them all said, “If you persevere, God will bring victory.” Whatever the work that is your life as a child of God, you are promised that powers and principalities (those of high standing and great strength – greater than mere men) will fight against you. But, you are also promised that God will prevail if you continue in faith.

                Whether you are in a fire of great testing or standing at the edge of muddy, deep waters today, make the decision to be faithful, trusting in God’s ability to overcome.

OCTOBER 12 – SERVING TEACHES

 And the many began to ask him (John), “So what, then, should we do?” He answered, “If you have two coats, give one to someone who has none. If you have food, do the same.” (Luke 3:10-11)

                   Do you give your people practical opportunities to participate in God’s kingdom work? At times, behaving in a way that models your values; especially when providing service unselfishly to others, can open a person’s heart to the love of Christ. As they experience God’s presence in the work and the healing power of hope, people have an opportunity to see a different possibility for their own lives.

                   John encouraged his listeners to understand that God’s judgment is certain, and that He will not accept less than a life lived well; for His purposes. To that challenge, the people asked the question most would consider, “How then do I please God?” Humble repentance in faith, such as these people showed as they sought to be baptized is desired by God. But, Scripture repeatedly explains that selfless love and mercy is the answer to what really pleases God.

                   Words are powerful, but actions are powerful too. Give your people opportunities to learn through action. Let them participate with you in God’s work in your community. Serving others will teach them about God’s love.

OCTOBER 8 – BOLD PERSEVERENCE

 But Christ was faithful as the Son over the House of God, His Father. We are His house if we persevere boldly to bring glory to Him with our firm hope always to the end. (Hebrews 3:6)

                  Are there times you don’t feel like celebrating God’s goodness? Have you experienced the place where the work you have done and the processes you have initiated to follow Him seem to be yielding nothing? Were you tempted to use your mind, and the proven ways of the world to turn it around? You should never choose the world’s way.

                  The writer observes, “Jesus was faithful.” He did what God wanted Him to do – period. Then he says, “If you are His house (where He lives)” – in other words – “If Jesus really is your Lord and lives in you,” then you will do the same thing. You will persevere boldly through difficult times if Jesus lives in you. He includes strong adverbs for emphasis. He says to persevere always, every day to the end. Be bold in speaking truth even to those who don’t want to hear. Do the work because you have hope (believe) in God’s power to accomplish His will and purposes in the world. Living this way means you never stop celebrating God; never give up on Him and just do what other people would do.

                  Persevere boldly, with great hope in the Lord God alone, and do it firmly to the end when He completes His work in you.

February 18 – LIVING FULLY

 For in Him (the Lord) we live, we are moved, and we exist. As some of your poets have taught, “We are God’s children.” (Acts 17:28)

                As you think about what it means to follow Jesus, do your thoughts turn to what you must do and say, or to what you must be very careful not to do or say? Do those thoughts have a negative voice? Do they sound like a rule book?

                Paul did not see harsh rules when he pictured life lived God’s way. Paul is speaking to Greek listeners, many of whom thought the ideal life was about logic, reason, and ancient wisdom. Reminding them of a poem written to honor Zeus, he explains that His God really is a loving father (Isaiah 1:2). Many first century Greeks saw such emotion as a hindrance, believing the brain should always control your actions. Paul argued that the Lord wants to help you understand life with your mind, be moved by your emotion to love others in His name, and respond based on obeying His will that He shows you each time you act.

                If your life is tied to your rulebook, consider Paul’s view. Learn from your Father how to live freely and fully in Jesus.

February 13 – TIME TO SPARE

 Give generously. As you do, it will continue to be given to you – an overflowing return of generosity for more giving. It is your generosity that measures your own return. (Luke 6:38)

                Which resource would you most like to see multiplied? For many people, who have great responsibility, lots of problems to solve, and lots of new opportunities to pursue, the answer is time. For many, there is no more valuable, nor more scarce resource than that.

                Although this Scripture passage is often used to teach financial generosity, the context shows Jesus was asking even more. He was teaching listeners to resist the urge to criticize and blame others, even when they harm you. Instead, He said to give and to forgive; to take the time to think through why the offender has acted, and how that person became who they are. Then, Jesus counseled them to respond with love that results in real forgiveness and to invest generously in helping that person – whatever their need.

                Hear the promise of Jesus. Understand that He is challenging you to see the investment of your time in others who need you as the way to insure you will have all the time you need – and more. 

February 11 – PAUL’S ENEMIES

 Even though we live in this world, we don’t fight against other men as they do with each other. Our weapon is God’s power, and our enemies are the lies and destruction in culture that oppose our Lord. We fight by being obedient to God in every detail. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

                Who is your most challenging competitor or opponent? Picture the person, not their organization or a group. When you think of this person, do you see an enemy? Or, do you see a person of great value who you should love? In any battle, identifying the true enemy is important.

                Paul clearly explains in his writing that men and women are not your enemies. Instead, like you, they can be victims of the enemy. Your role as a follower of Jesus is to be used in their rescue, and Jesus explained that this is accomplished through God’s grace. God gives you the ability to obey His command to love. Paul refused to get involved in petty arguments and fight with the people who opposed him. His faith in God overcame his fears of being harmed or defeated, so he could focus on obedience, and fight the real battles.

                Today you have the same choice. Choose your enemies wisely.

February 8 – TONGUE TRAINING

 The Lord God Himself has given to me the tongue of His well-trained student so that I will know how to encourage and embolden those who are weary with my words. (Isaiah 50:4)

               Do your words give courage to those who depend upon you? Are they filled with hope and optimism? Do you inspire a confidence that helps them to overcome?

                God’s word through Isaiah points clearly to Jesus the Messiah. He lived this passage. Each person who came to Jesus found understanding and empathy. Jesus spoke plainly, and He brought hope with words that were true and alive. As God calls you to lead His people, He will also provide the well-trained tongue you need to encourage and strengthen the weary people who follow with you. You must will to give your life to the work of building relationships. This investment of time and energy allows you to know, understand, and empathize with your people. You are also called to spend your time, and invest your other resources to be sure that this word reaches the far corners of your community.

It takes courage and boldness to allow God to speak through you, so you must spend time with Him to become a well-trained student.